3. Blue Hill Creek (Lower)
Land Manager: BLM, Burley Field Office
Legal Location: T 16S R 22E Sections 7, 12, 18 Cassia County
Allotment: #4027 Goose Creek Group
Dominant Plant Community Type: Sagebrush-Juniper
Impacts: The cumulative livestock impacts at this location have altered the physical features of this perennial stream and riparian zone. The remains of a small riparian exclosure can be found at this location, but little riparian growth exists due to grazing impacts and inadvertent herbicide application to the site. Livestock grazing has led to loss of the riparian structure in general, loss of riparian regeneration, and loss of the riparian understory. Remnant riparian vegetation has been heavily impacted. The riparian greenline has been extensively replaced by non-riparian species. Trampling has led to erosion and loss of original channel features. Fisheries values have been impacted.
Recommendations: It is recommended that livestock be withdrawn from this location. Significant riparian recovery (dependent on regenerative capability) and bank stabilization would require a minimum time period of 3-6 years. Willow and other riparian shrubs need to achieve a height of 6 feet or more before exposure to livestock utilization can be tolerated for short-duration grazing.
List of Figures:
1. Widening, down-cutting, loss of riparian greenline.
2. Utilization impacts, trampling, loss of riparian species.
